Square Enix Europe born

Britsoft publisher Eidos is to be absorbed as part of a brand new European arm for new owners Square Enix – costing both British and European jobs in the process.

Current Eidos chief executive Phil Rogers will be heading up (the provisionally titled) Square Enix Europe, with John Yamamoto leading the North American arm of the business.

Whilst the Eidos name as we know it will no longer be used as a publishing label, the moniker will remain as branding for game developed by Eidos studios.

“Square Enix and Eidos Interactive are pleased to announce plans to create a new organisation to drive forward their European business,” an Eidos spokesperson told MCV.

“Square Enix Europe (final name TBC) will include Eidos’ global network of studios and combine the Square Enix and Eidos European sales and marketing businesses to create one efficient and powerful structure for game publishing.

“In North America the current Square Enix organisation will continue to serve this market. All marketing, sales and distribution functions will be transferred from Eidos Inc to Square Enix in this territory.”

Sadly, the move is set to cost an unknown number of workers their jobs, with the spokesperson adding:

“Unfortunately we are expecting some jobs to be impacted directly by this in both Europe and North America. We are hoping to minimise this wherever possible and offer support and advice to any employees directly affected.”

MCV is the leading trade news and community site for all professionals working within the UK and international video games market. It reaches everyone from store manager to CEO, covering the entire industry. MCV is published by NewBay Media, which specialises in entertainment, leisure and technology markets.